What Are Ski Socks?

Most people who have tried skiing know that after a long day on the slopes, blisters and sore feet are common problems. Ski socks are specially designed to help protect the feet while skiing.

  1. Function

    • Ski socks have three main functions: to keep your feet warm, dry and free from abrasion.

    Materials

    • Natural and synthetic materials are used in ski socks. Fabrics such as wool and cotton provide warmth, while synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon create better airflow.

    Design

    • Different parts of ski socks serve different functions. The ball and heel of the sock might have padding to absorb shocks, the shin might be cushioned for comfort, and other parts will be thinner to let in air.

    Blisters

    • One major benefit of ski socks is they can help prevent blisters by absorbing some of the friction between your foot and ski boot. Socks with multi-layer construction are best at preventing blisters.

    Cost

    • Bottom-of-the-line ski socks can be as inexpensive as $5 per pair as of November 2009, with most types in the $10 to $25 range. Some specialty socks cost far more.